Central Georgia Rehab Hospital Recognizes Stroke Awareness Month

MACON, Georgia (41 NBC/WMGT) – Central Georgia Rehab Hospital in Macon had a special event to recognize stroke victims and give participants the opportunity to step in their shoes on Tuesday.

Every year about 750,000 Americans have a stroke or brain aneurism.

May is Stroke Awareness month and Georgia is the buckle in the middle of the country’s “stroke belt” and medical professionals want people to remain healthy and aware.

The Central Georgia Rehab Hospital in Macon takes in those who suffer a stroke or an accident, and helps them get back on their feet.

Darren Pearce is the Executive Director at the hospital and wants people to know he and his staff is here for them.

“A good attitude makes all the difference in the world, you will get through this, and we will make it better for you,” Pearce said.

Ann Berringer needed no demonstration.

She suffered a stroke and has been rehabbing at the hospital. She told 41 NBC how the exercises in her recovery have helped her.

“Anybody having a stroke or having an accident that causes them not to be able to walk or do things this is the place to come, they were very good to me, very helpful and taught me to walk again,” Berringer said.

Her husband, Ray, has been right by her side and says that times were not always easy.

“A lot of emotions take over and sometimes it’s extremely difficult to manage all of this.”

The National Stroke Association wants people to learn the warning signs for stroke using F.A.S.T.

That stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time.

If you see any immediately call 911.

And while the rehab process hasn’t been easy Mrs. Berringer says to never give up. Her goal is to get a point where she can learn to drive on her own, but she knows that that will take some time.

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